Adopting from the Philippines
Adoptions between New Zealand and the Philippines are done according to the Hague Convention. All adoptions are approved by the Inter Country Adoption Board (ICAB), the Central Authority for Adoption in the Philippines.
Couples cannot apply directly to ICAB but must use an accredited body (ICANZ) or NZ CYF to facilitate their adoption. ICANZ liaises with the ICAB on behalf of adoptive parents, assists the parent with the process and ensures the process proceeds as quickly as possible.
ICANZ was authorized to work in the Philippines in August 2007 and is now able to accept applications.
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,100 islands and approximately 86 million people predominantly of the Catholic faith.
The Children
Children in the Philippines are cared for in small child care facilities throughout the country, run by various authorised church based Child Caring Agencies who are seeking families who will continue to bring the children up in the Christian faith. Aside from care and adoption planning for some children, these organisations also provides programs for local families and care for children who are not able to be adopted.
The Philippine Inter-country Adoption Board states that the children mostly available for intercountry adoption are older; between 5 and 15 years old. Children who are over the age of five as well as sibling groups are considered special needs (also referred to as “waiting children”). "Special needs" also covers a multitude of medical conditions or children that come from a difficult background.
Information on a child typically consists of medical and social information and one or more photos. Because the children are normally relinquished by their birth parents, it is typical to receive birth family social history. Immunization records and information pertaining to physical, emotional and intellectual development are also included.
Before they are referred for international adoption, efforts have been made to reunite the child with the birth family, or place the child with an appropriate extended family member or a local Filipino adoptive family. Permission for international adoption is granted by the ICAB.
ICANZ will accept applications from prospective adoptive parents who are
- Approved by the NZCA.
- Married for 3 years, with no more than one divorce per parent. In some cases where a relationship has existed for 3 years a shorter length of marriage is accepted.
- Singles accepted on a case by case basis, only for children aged 6 and over with correctable medical conditions or from a difficult background.
- No more than 45 years older than the oldest child you wish to adopt at time of adoption, especially the adoptive mother, unless application is for older or medically needy children. No less than 20 years older than the child.
- Healthy, (no physical or mental health issues, not on any medication,) preferably non-smokers and within healthy weight ranges.
- Open to adopting a child of either gender, over 24 months. Applications are particularly welcome from those open to a child over 6 or with medical needs, or large sibling groups - these adoptions are prioritised.
- Active Christians able to demonstrate you will continue to bring the child up in the Christian faith. ICANZ can advise you on this criteria.
- Childless or have no more than two children at home unless you are applying for older or medically needy children. Some exceptions are made to this for subsequent adoptions.
- Able to provide excellent character references.
Please contact ICANZ to discuss your situation as each case is considered individually and the above generalised requirements can vary in some cases, especially if you are applying for older children or those with medical needs.
The Process
The process includes a 3 day education/preparation course and an assessment with CYF to gain approval from the New Zealand Central Authority to adopt from the Philippines (see Adoption Process).
Once you have obtained approval from the New Zealand Central Authority, ICANZ will assist you with document preparation and completion of the placement process. ICANZ will communicate regularly with the Philippines about your adoption.
A child will be approved for you by the ICAB and the NZCA before ICANZ presents the file to you for your own approval. Matching is done on the basis of the best interests of the child. You will consider and accept the child while in NZ.
A trip to the Philippines of about 7 days is needed. You will be well prepared for the trip by ICANZ. ICANZ will soon have a liaison agency in the Phillipines to assist you during your trip.
ICANZ provides on-the-ground assistance in the Philippines, to ensure your safety, well-being and to help you have a smooth experience in meeting your child in those vital early days. ICANZ provides you with the latest information related to your adoption.
You are required to have bi-monthly post adoption visits and reports by CYF for 6 months and to send a photo of the child to the orphanage every year. After 3 satisfactory bi-monthly post-placement reports are received by the ICAB you will receive permission to finalise the adoption in the New Zealand court.
Timeframes
Timing is variable, usually about 12-18 months to referral.
Costs
You will need to pay for all costs associated with ICANZ work for you in NZ, ICAB charges in the Philippines, the ICAB approved donation to the Child Caring Agency, travel accommodation and personal costs. Please contact ICANZ for details.
» Philippines Accreditation Certificate